Crossword Genius

Deserter from a regiment for a short time (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rat

'deserter' is the definition.
(both can mean a traitor)

'a regiment for a short time' is the wordplay.
'a regiment' becomes 'RA' (Royal Artillery).
'for' says to put letters next to each other.
'a short time' becomes 't' (abbreviation; 'short' asks for an abbreviation).
'ra'+'t'='RAT'

'from' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for rat that I've seen before include "Abandon" , "Contemptible person" , "Despicable person" , "Treacherous person" , "person doing shopping" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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